• Mark Tewkesbury, Chairman of the Borough Planning Committee, spoke to over 45 villagers who attended the Sutton Poyntz Society AGM in what proved a lively and stimulating discussion. The evening then proceeded with AGM business, the approval of the Committee's annual report and the Treasurer's report, with no change to the annual subscription. There was satisfaction at the continuing bus service into the village, albeit reduced, and the Borough Council have now accepted responsibility for pruning the trees around the pond. There is no news yet of the application to open the Ridgeway track to motorised vehicles. The Village Biodiversity Group has been very active, and all Society events were well supported throughout the year. The committee elections left a shortfall of members, especially the absence of a Treasurer. It is important that the Society adequately reflects the views of the Village on such things as planning applications, and being a Committee member is not a huge commitment. Volunteers are urgently required.

• Isolde Martin, daughter of well known local residents Freddie and Joyce Litschi and a distinguished historical novelist, will be giving a talk entitled ‘The pleasures and perils of writing historical novels’at Littlemoor Library on Saturday 18 May at 2pm. This illustrated talk should be most interesting, as Isolde has published many books in the United States. Her first work to be published in the UK, ‘Mistress to the Crown’, is due out in June, though Isolde did say that it is already available as an e-book. The story concerns Jane Shaw, who was the famous – or should that be infamous? – mistress of King Edward IV. If you would like to find out what it takes to be an historical novelist, put the date in your diary.

• Extensive Southern Gas Network activity starts in Preston on Thursday 2 May to replace ageing gas mains. The work will last about 9 weeks, and some inconvenience might be caused during this essential work. All gas workmen carry identification, so make sure you check this before allowing anyone into your home, and help elderly neighbours do the same.

• I have received a reply to correspondence with First about the removal of the 4 bus service down Oakbury Drive. Apparently customer research tells them that “.....passengers want a more simple route and faster journey times”. There appear to be a large number of passengers who disagree and were perhaps not consulted. If you are one, tell First so at Mark.Williams@firstgroup.com